Food-preservation devices and methods of use

ABSTRACT

Food packaging materials are provided. In some embodiments, foam sprayable material is provided.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments provided herein generally relate to packaging materials thatpreserve the item that is packaged.

BACKGROUND

A variety of various types of gases and other materials have been usedin the preservation of foodstuffs and other items. Typically, an item tobe preserved is placed inside a container and then a particular gas isthen added to replace and/or reduce any air inside of the container.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a packaging material is provided. The packagingmaterial can include a gelled foam including voids and afood-preservation gas contained within the voids. In some embodiments,the gelled foam allows for a sustained release of the food-preservationgas.

In some embodiments, a foam sprayable material is provided. In someembodiments, the material includes a water soluble and high viscositymaterial including at least one void that includes at least onefood-preservation gas. In some embodiments, the material furtherincludes a liquid, film forming, polymer. In some embodiments, theliquid forms a film when dried. In some embodiments, the film includesvoids with a gas contained therein.

In some embodiments, a method of packaging a food product is provided.In some embodiments, the method can include providing a foodpreservative film. The film can include glycerin in which there arevoids that include a food-preservation gas, and a liquid, film forming,polymer, wherein the liquid forms a film when dried. In someembodiments, the method further includes providing a food product andcovering at least part of the food product with the food preservativefilm (either in liquid form or as a gel and/or solid), thereby packagingthe food product.

In some embodiments, a preserved food product is provided. The preservedfood product can include at least one food product and an at leastpartially dried preservative film (e.g., or other type of packagingmaterial) coating at least a part of the at least one food product. Insome embodiments, the film includes an edible material within which afood-preservation gas is stored and the edible material allows for thesustained release of the food-preservation gas

In some embodiments, a spray device is provided. The device can includean outlet head configured to spray a foam sprayable material, areservoir, configured to hold a foam sprayable material, which is influid communication with the outlet head. In some embodiments, thereservoir holds a mixture of glycerin and a liquid, film forming,polymer, wherein the liquid forms a film when dried. In someembodiments, the device includes a first gas inlet in fluidcommunication with the reservoir.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be inany way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments,and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and featureswill become apparent by reference to the drawings and the followingdetailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a drawing depicting some embodiments of a packaging materialand a packaged food product.

FIG. 1B is a drawing depicting some embodiments of the optional releaseof a preservative gas from a packaging material in response to thepresence of moisture on or from the item.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart depicting some embodiments of methods of makingand using a preserved product.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless contextdictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in thedetailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting.Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made,without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of thepresent disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated inthe Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, anddesigned in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which areexplicitly contemplated herein.

In some embodiments, a packaging material is provided. In someembodiments, the packaging material includes a foam (either wet and/ordried) and/or other material with small voids. These voids can containone or more gas or other substance. The gas or other substance can, overtime, be released from the packaging material, providing a prolongedand/or delayed release of the gas or other substance, so that anymaterial to be preserved (or treated in any other manner) can benefitfrom a longer period of exposure to the gas (or other substance).

In some embodiments, the foam (or other material) includes awater-soluble material. In some embodiments, the presence of moisture(such as when food begins to decompose) causes the foam (or othermaterial) to dissolve, which allows the gas (or other substance) to bereleased from the voids (or increase the rate of release), lengtheningthe usable life of the item. Thus, in some embodiments, when food (orother items) begins to decompose, the packaging material canself-regulate, such that additional gas or other substance can bereleased proximally, and timely, to reduce spoilage.

Some embodiments of a packaging material are illustrated in FIGS. 1A and1B. In some embodiments, the packaging material 110 at least partiallycovers at least a part of an item 120. In some embodiments, the item isa food product (however, in some embodiments, any item, product, device,etc., can be covered by various embodiments provided herein).

As shown in FIG. 1B, in some embodiments, the packaging material can domore than supply a consistent or prolonged release of the gas or othermaterial. As noted above, in some embodiments, the packaging material210 includes at least a void 220 which can include a gas 230 to bereleased against the item to be preserved. However, in some embodiments,moisture emitted from the packaged item 240 can be used as a regulatorof the release of the gas 230, to allow for moisture dependent releaseof the gas or other substance in the void 220. In some embodiments, thiscan be achieved by making the packaging material 210, or at least a partof it, dissolvable to water. Not all embodiments need include apackaging material that is dissolvable in the presence of moisture. Insome embodiments, the packaging material can include more than onelayer, at least one of which is dissolvable, and one of which is not (ornot as) dissolvable.

As noted above, the voids can serve as storage chambers for the gas oranother substance which is to be released. In some embodiments, thenumber of voids in any given packaging material can vary depending uponthe item to be stored and/or the nature of the packaging materialoptions, and/or the desired degree of preservation. In some embodiments,the volume ratio of void to solid in the material is about 1:1000,1:100, 1:50, 1:10, 1:5, 1:3, 1:1, 3:1, 5:1, 10:1, 50:1, 100:1, or1000:1, including any ranges above any one of those values, or any rangebetween any one of those values. In some embodiments, the volume ratioof void to solid in the material is about 1:100, 1:50, 1:10, 1:5, 1:3,1:1, 3:1, 5:1, 10:1, 50:1, or 100:1, including any ranges above any oneof those values, or any range between any one of those values. In someembodiments, the water-soluble and high viscosity material includesvoids at a density of 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 300, 500, 1000, 2000,5000, 10,000, 30,000, 50,000, 100,000, 300,000, 500,000, 1,000,000, 10̂7,10̂8, 10̂9, 10̂10, 10̂11, 10̂12, 10̂13, 10̂14, 10̂15, 10̂16, 10̂17, or 10̂18 voidsper cubic millimeter including any density range greater than any one ofthe listed values or between any two of the listed values. In someembodiments, the water-soluble and high viscosity material includesvoids at a density of 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 30,000, 50,000, 100,000,300,000, 500,000, 1,000,000, 10̂7, 10̂8, 10̂9, 10̂10, 10̂11, or 10̂12 voidsper cubic millimeter including any density range greater than any one ofthe listed values or between any two of the listed values (e.g., 1000 to10̂12).

In some embodiments, the voids of the packaging material have an averagediameter of about 1 to about 10,000,000 nanometers. In some embodiments,the voids of the packaging material have an average diameter of about100 picometers, 500 picometers, 700 picometers; 1 nanometers, 2nanometers, 3 nanometers, 5 nanometers, 10 nanometers, 30 nanometers, 50nanometers, 100 nanometers, 300 nanometers, 500 nanometers, 700nanometers; 1 micrometers, 2 micrometers, 3 micrometers, 5 micrometers,10 micrometers, 30 micrometers, 50 micrometers, 100 micrometers, 300micrometers, 500 micrometers, 700 micrometers; 1 millimeter, 2millimeters, 3 millimeters, 5 millimeters, or 10 millimeters, includingany values above, below, or between any two of the listed values.

In some embodiments, the packaging material has a thickness sufficientto provide some level of protection and/or preservation of an item. Insome embodiments, the average thickness is of about 100 nanometers, 200nanometers, 300 nanometers, 500 nanometers, 1000 nanometers, 1500nanometers, 2000 nanometers, 2500 nanometers; 3 micrometers, 5micrometers, 7 micrometers, 10 micrometers, 20 micrometers, 30micrometers, 50 micrometers, 100 micrometers, 200 micrometers, 300micrometers, 500 micrometers, 1000 micrometers, or 2000 micrometers, 3millimeters, 5 millimeters, 7 millimeters; 1 centimeter, 2 centimeter, 3centimeter, 5 centimeter, 7 centimeters; 1 decimeter, 2 decimeter, 3decimeter, or 5 decimeters, including any ranges above any one of thepreceding values or between any of the two stated values.

In some embodiments, the thickness is substantially uniform throughoutthe packaging material. In some embodiments, parts of the packagingmaterial are thicker than others, for example to fill gaps, crevices,gouges, or imperfections on the surface of the material to be coated. Insome embodiments, the thickness includes a range of thicknesses, e.g.,between or above any of 100 nanometers, 200 nanometers, 300 nanometers,500 nanometers, 1000 nanometers, 1500 nanometers, 2000 nanometers, 2500nanometers; 3 micrometers, 5 micrometers, 7 micrometers, 10 micrometers,20 micrometers, 30 micrometers, 50 micrometers, 100 micrometers, 200micrometers, 300 micrometers, 500 micrometers, 1000 micrometers, or 2000micrometers, 3 millimeters, 5 millimeters, 7 millimeters; 1 centimeter,2 centimeter, 3 centimeter, 5 centimeter, 7 centimeters; 1 decimeter, 2decimeter, 3 decimeter, or 5 decimeters within a single piece ofpackaging material.

In some embodiments, as solid portions of the foam dissolve, break-down,or undergo other physical changes the gas can exit the voids. In someembodiments, the food-preservation gas diffuses through portions of thepackaging material slowly, and break-down of the material can acceleratethe release of the gas.

In some embodiments, the sustained and/or delayed release of the gas orother substance from the packaging material occurs for a period of time.In some embodiments, the period of time is about 1 minute, 10 minutes,30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 5 hours, 12 hours, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, 11 days, 12 days,13 days, 14 days, 15 days, 16 days, 17 days, 18 days, 19 days, 20 days,22 days, 25 days, 30 days, 35 days, 40 days, 50 days, 60 days, 70 days,100 days, 150 days, or 200 days including any range above any one orbetween any two of the stated values. In some embodiments, 0.5, 1, 2, 3,5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 90, 95, 98, 99, or 100% of the gas(or other substance) is released over the period of time, including anyranges above any one or between any two of the stated values.

In some embodiments, the packaging material can be in any of a varietyof forms and/or configurations. In some embodiments, the packagingmaterial can be a liquid, a gel, a film, a coating, a foam, a rigidmaterial, a flexible material, and/or combinations thereof and/or driedforms thereof.

In some embodiments, the packaging material can be, or be part of, acontainer. In some embodiments the container can be sealed or sealable.In some embodiments, the packaging material can be part of a thin film,such as a wrap, foil, wax paper, or sprayable material. In someembodiments, the packaging material can include a gel or gelled foam,which is applied and/or applicable to an item to be preserved. In someembodiments, this can then be allowed to dry at least some extent,forming a dried film of the gelled foam around the item. In someembodiments, a spray applied coating allows for a smaller amount ofheadspace between the item and the packaging.

In some embodiments, the foam can includes a gelled foam. In someembodiments, the gelled foam includes glycerin, Vaseline, paraffin,polyethylene glycol or other polymer. In some embodiments, the gelledfoam includes at least one gel-forming polymer. In some embodiments, thegelled foam includes at least one gelatinzing agent. In someembodiments, the gelled foam includes two or more of: glycerin; one ormore gel-forming polymers; and one or more gelatinizing agents.

In some embodiments, the packaging material includes a spray appliedcoating. In some embodiments, the spray applied coating is arranged in asubstantially even layer on the surface of a coated product, and thus isof substantially consistent thickness. In some embodiments, contours onthe surface of the spray applied coating roughly correspond to contourson the surface of the coated product. In some embodiments, the sprayapplied coating is arranged in a substantially uneven layer on thesurface of the coated product. In some embodiments, the spray appliedcoating includes voids.

In some embodiments, the packaging material includes or is a foamsprayable material. In some embodiments, the foam sprayable materialincludes a water-soluble and high viscosity material. In someembodiments, the foam sprayable material includes a high viscositymaterial that is soluble in a non-polar solvent. In some embodiments,the high viscosity material and the foam sprayable material are solublein the same solvent. In some embodiments, the water-soluble and highviscosity material is one of a solid, a semi-solid, or a gel. In someembodiments, the water-soluble and high viscosity material includes oneor more voids that include a food-preservation gas. In some embodiments,the foam sprayable material includes a liquid, film-forming polymer. Insome embodiments, the water-soluble and high viscosity material iswater-soluble at an acidic pH. In some embodiments, the water-solubleand high viscosity material is water-soluble at a basic pH. In someembodiments, the water-soluble and high viscosity material iswater-soluble at a pH that is about 7.

In some embodiments the liquid, film forming, polymer is at least one ofa polysaccharide, an arginate, a carrageenan, a glycolarginate, apectin, gellan gum, agar, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide,propylene glycol, a polysaccharide, its salt, and their solutiondissolved in water: hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, collagen,collagen peptide, hemicellulose, gum arabic, tragacanth gum,carrageenan, xanthan gum, guar gum, tara gum, gloiopeltis glue, agar,furcellaran, tamarind seed polysaccharide, kalaya gum, hibiscus, pectin,sodium alginate, pullulan, jellan gum, locust bean gum, variousstarches, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), methylcellulose (MC),ethylcellulose (EC), hydroxymethylcellulose (HMC), hydroxyethylcellulose(HEC), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), hydroxyethylmethylcellulose (HEMC),hydroxyethylethylcellulose (HEEC), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC),hydroxypropylethylcellulose (HPEC), hydroxyethylhydroxypropylcellulose(HEHPC), sulfoethylcellulose, dihydroxypropylcellulose (DHPC), propyleneglycol alginate, a processed starch, or a soluble starch. In someembodiments, any of these polymers can be used for any arrangement ofany of the packaging materials described herein.

In some embodiments, the foam sprayable material (or other appropriateform of packaging material) can be under pressure before it is appliedto an item. In some embodiments, the foam sprayable material is under apressure greater than atmospheric pressure. In some embodiments, thefoam sprayable material is at a pressure of about 80 kilopascals (kPa),e.g., 83, 87, 90, 92, 95, 97, 100, 101, 103, 105, 110, 120, 130, 140,150, 160, 170, 200, 230, 250, 270, 300, 330, 350, or 400 kPa, includingany pressure range above any one of these values or between any two ofthe these values.

In some embodiments, the foam sprayable material is under a pressurethat is substantially the same as atmospheric pressure, but can becompressed to a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure in order tofacilitate the spraying of the foam sprayable material. In someembodiments, the foam sprayable material is under a pressure that issubstantially atmospheric pressure, but can be applied to a targetsurface by spreading, painting, or pouring the foam sprayable materialon the target surface, or by dipping, rolling, or immersing the targetsurface in the foam sprayable material.

In some embodiments, the foam sprayable material (or other wet appliedpackaging material) sterilizes a surface of a food product by loweringthe pH of the surface. In some embodiments, the pH is lowered by about0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7, including any ranges belowany one of the preceding values and any range between any two of thepreceding values. In some embodiments, the foam sprayable material (orpackaging material) sterilizes the surface by contacting the surfacewith CO₂. In some embodiments, the foam sprayable material (or otherpackaging material) sterilizes the surface by contacting the surfacewith ozone. In some embodiments, the foam sprayable material (or otherpackaging material) sterilizes the surface upon contact with thesurface. In some embodiments, the foam sprayable material (or otherpackaging material) sterilizes the surface after it has dried, set, orcured, for example as a sterilizing gas is gradually released from voidsin the foam.

In some embodiments, the foam sprayable material (or other wet appliedpackaging material) sterilizes the surface of a food product bycontacting the surface with an alcohol, for example ethanol, propanol,or isopropanol.

In some embodiments, the packaging material is in the form of a film(which can be flexible and/or stretchable). In some embodiments, thefilm substantially conforms to the topography of a surface it is incontact with, for example the surface of a food product. In someembodiments, the film is rigid. In some embodiments, the film ispliable. In some embodiments, the film is pliable, and becomes rigid (ormore rigid) upon drying. In some embodiments, the film becomes rigidupon curing. In some embodiments, the film becomes rigid uponcross-linking.

In some embodiments, the packaging material is a solid and/or rigidsheet. In some embodiments, the packaging material is a tray. In someembodiments, the tray is configured to carry only one item. In someembodiments, the tray is configured to carry more than one item. In someembodiments, the longest diameter of the tray is about 1 millimeter, 2millimeters, 3 millimeters, 5 millimeters, 9 millimeters; 1 centimeter,2 centimeters, 3 centimeters, 5 centimeters, 10 centimeters, 50centimeters, 100 centimeters, 200 centimeters, 500 centimeters, 800centimeters; 1 meter, 2 meters, 3 meters, 5 meters, 10 meters, or 20meters, including any range above any one of the preceding values orbetween any two of the stated values. In some embodiments, the tray isopen on top. In some embodiments, the tray has a lid. In someembodiments, the lid includes a hinge. In some embodiments, the lid issized to substantially cover the base of the tray. In some embodiments,the tray supports about 1 gram, 2 grams, 5 grams, 7 grams, 10 grams, 20grams, 50 grams, 100 grams, 300 grams, 500 grams, 800 grams; 1 kilogram,2, kilograms 3 kilograms, 5 kilograms, 10 kilograms, 20 kilograms, 50kilograms, 100 kilograms, 300 kilograms, or 500 kilograms, including anyrange above any of the preceding values or between any two of the statedvalues. In some embodiments, the tray has at least one seam, and foldsalong at least one seam, so that the tray can be folded to enclose thecontents.

In some embodiments, the packaging material includes a biodegradablematerial. In some embodiments, the packaging material includes at leastone polysaccharide. In some embodiments, the packaging material includesa combination of two or more different polysaccharides. In someembodiments, at least one polysaccharide is water-soluble. In someembodiments, at least one polysaccharide spontaneously depolymerizes inwater.

In some embodiments, the biodegradable material dissolves when contactedwith a solvent. In some embodiments, the solvent includes water. In someembodiments, the biodegradable material disintegrates spontaneously, andhas a half-life of about 1 hour, 3 hours, 5 hours, 10 hours; 1 day, 2days, 5 days, 10 days, 20 days, 50 days, 100 days; 1 year, 2 years, or 5years, including any range between any two of the stated values. In someembodiments, the dissolution, disintegration, or other break-down of abiodegradable material causes the gelled foam to dissolve, disintegrate,or otherwise break-down.

In some embodiments, the packaging material includes an antibioticagent. In some embodiments, the packaging material includes an antiviralagent.

In some embodiments, the film is transparent to at least somewavelengths of visible light. In some embodiments, the film is 1%, 5%,10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 92%, 95%, 97%, 99, or 100% percenttransparent to visible light including ranges below any of the precedingvalues or between any two of the stated values. In some embodiments, thefilm is transparent at the time it is applied. In some embodiments, thefilm is transparent at the time has dried, hardened, or cured. In someembodiments, the film is transparent when applied, and when it hasdried, hardened and/or cured.

In some embodiments, the film or packaging material includes a tintingagent. In some embodiments, the tinting agent is a neutral color, forexample grey. In some embodiments, the tinting agent is selected to be acolor that is desirable for the product to be packaged. For example, ifa tomato is to be packaged, the packaging material may include a redtinting agent. In some embodiments, the tint is selected to shield thefood from radiation. For example, the tinting agent can be selected toshield the food from ultraviolet radiation. In some embodiments, thepackaging material is substantially transparent to visibleelectromagnetic radiation, but is substantially opaque toelectromagnetic radiation in a non-visible spectrum. In someembodiments, the tint is blue or yellow.

In some embodiments, the voids include a gas. In some embodiments, oneor more gases can be used. In some embodiments, gases other than CO₂ andargon can be used, e.g., ozone. Ozone can also be activated by argongas, and these gases are compatible for use in combination with in someembodiments. Additionally, ozone activity is high even under highhumidity. Although ozone is short-lived in the atmosphere, it can bestored for a long period of time once contained in glycerin in the formof micro/nano-bubbles. In some embodiments, the ozone concentration inthe final mixture is made to fall between a few ppm and 85 ppm (e.g., 1,10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, or 85). When dissolved in water, itshows a sufficient antiseptic effect at a concentration of around 2 ppm,and generally has a sufficient antiseptic effect at a concentration of0.1 ppm to a few ppm.

In some embodiments, the gas includes a food-preservation gas. In someembodiments, more than one gas can be employed (such as two or moretypes). In some embodiments, the gas includes at least one of CO₂,argon, nitrogen, ClO₂, ozone, an ethylene-inhibiting gas, O₂, and/or atleast one of rare gas. In some embodiments, the rare gas is one of He,Ne, Kr, Xe, and/or Rn, or a mixture of two of more of these gasses. Insome embodiments, the food preservation gas includes CO₂ and argon.

In some embodiments, the ethylene-inhibiting gas includes1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). In some embodiments, theethylene-inhibiting gas is substantially 1-MCP. In some embodiments,percent volume of 1-MCP in the gas is one of about 0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 1%,2%, 3%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, including any ranges above anyof the preceding values or between any two of the stated values. In someembodiments, the food preservation gas includes CO₂, argon, and 1-MCP.In some embodiments, the volume ratio of CO₂ to argon is one of about1:100, 1:50, 1:20, 1:10, 1:5, 1:3, 1:2, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 5:1, 10:1, 20:130:1, 50:1, or 100:1, including any ranges above, below, or between anytwo of the stated values. In some embodiments, the gas or othersubstance can be any one or more of N₂ (inert gas), ethyl alcohol(disinfectant), and/or chlorine dioxide.

In some embodiments, the packaging material includes an edible material.In some embodiments, the edible material is substantially free of toxinsthat would be harmful to a mammal and/or animal and/or human ifconsumed. In some embodiments, any toxins or other harmful products arereadily removable.

In some embodiments, the edible material includes at least one flavoringagent to increase its desirability for consumption. In some embodiments,the flavoring agent is selected to complement the flavor of a foodproduct that is to be coated by the edible material. In some embodimentsthe edible material has a texture, odor, and/or taste that is desirablefor consumption. In some embodiments, the texture, odor, and/or taste isdesirable before the sprayable material has set, dried, or cured. Insome embodiments, the texture, odor, and/or taste is desirable after thesprayable material has set, dried, or cured.

In some embodiments, the packaging material includes at least one of: agelatinizing agent, a foaming agent, a pH adjuster, or a water-solubleplasticizer. In some embodiments the gelatinizing agent is one ofcalcium carbonate, or calcium pyrophosphate. In some embodiments, the pHadjuster is at least one of an acid, a base, or a buffer.

In some embodiments, the packaging material includes water. In someembodiments, the packaging material is at least about 1%, 2, 3, 5, 10,20, 30, 40, 50, 60 70, 80, 90, or 95% water, including any range belowany one of the preceding values or between any two of the stated values.In some embodiments, the packaging material is in a form that issubstantially free of water, and is reconstituted upon the addition ofwater. In some embodiments, the packaging material includes water whenit is applied to a target surface, but includes less water after it hasset, hardened, or cured. In some embodiments, the water is suspended ina gel, foam, or matrix. In some embodiments, the water is part of ahydrous compound, for example a crystal.

In some embodiments, the packaging material is water-soluble, oncedried, cured, or set. In some embodiments, the packaging material iswater-soluble before it has dried, cured or set. In some embodiments,the packaging material is water-soluble both before and after it hasdried, cured, or set. In some embodiments, the packaging material, oncedried, cured, or set, is soluble in at least one of: an acidic aqueoussolution, a basic aqueous solution, or an aqueous solution with a pHthat is about 7. In some embodiments, the dried packaging materialincludes a water-soluble starch. In some embodiments, the driedpackaging material includes a polymer that spontaneously depolymerizesin an aqueous solution.

In some embodiments, the packaging material includes a UV blocker. Insome embodiments, the UV blocker is at least one of: a metal particle, adielectric oxide particle, or a UV absorbing polymer. In someembodiments, the metal particle is a nanoparticle. In some embodiments,metal particle has a diameter of about 500 picometers or more, e.g.,700, 1,000, 1,300, 1,500, 2,000, 2,500, 3,000, 3,500, 4,000, 5,000,6,000, 8,000, or 10,000 picometers, including a range above any one, orbetween any two, of the listed values. In some embodiments, the UVblocker is suspended in the foam of the packing material. In someembodiments, the UV blocker is layered on an inner or outer surface ofthe packaging material.

In some embodiments, the packaging material includes a gas barrierlayer. In some embodiments, the gas barrier layer is on the outside ofthe packaging material. In some embodiments, the gas barrier layer issubstantially impermeable to water vapor. In some embodiments, the gasbarrier layer is substantially impermeable to the food-preservation gas.In some embodiments, the gas barrier layer includes at least one of acellulose fiber, clay, montmorillonite, cellulose, cellulose fiber, orcellulose nano fiber. In some embodiments, the gas barrier layer has athickness of about 0.5, 0.7, 1, 3, 5, 10, 100, 500, 1,000, 3,000, 5,000,10,000, or 100,000 nanometers, including a range above any one, orbetween any two, of the stated values.

In some embodiments, the packaging material allows the food-preservationgas to pass through about 1 micron of the material per 2 hours. In someembodiments, the packaging material allows the gas to pass through atleast about 500 nanometers, e.g., 501, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100,1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 2000, or 3000 nanometers of the material per 2hours, including range below, or between, any two of the stated values.

In some embodiments, the packaging material includes a wax. In someembodiments, about 1%, 3%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, or 50% of the packagingmaterial is a wax, including any range above any one of the precedingvalues, or between any two of the stated values.

In some embodiments, the water-soluble and high viscosity material ofthe foam sprayable material includes glycerin. In some embodiments,about 1%, 3%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40% of the foam sprayable materialis glycerin, including any values above, or between any two of thestated values.

In some embodiments, the packaging material (e.g., gelled foam) includesat least one of: glycerin in which a food-preservation gas (CO₂, argonetc.) is dispersed in the form of micro/nanobubbles; gel-formingpolymer; gelatinizing agent; foaming agent; pH adjuster; water-solubleplasticizer; and/or water.

In some embodiments, when CO₂ is employed as the gas, the CO₂ itself hasa sterilizing effect. In some embodiments, the CO₂, for some plants,lowers metabolism by halting respiration, retards deterioration byinhibiting the generation of ethylene gas, and prolongs the storageperiod.

In some embodiments, (e.g., for foam and/or gelled foam typeembodiments), glycerin can be employed as part of the packagingmaterial. Glycerin retains foams of unstable gases, such as ozone,stably over a few months. In some embodiments, various gases aredispersed in glycerin in the form of micro/nano-bubbles, diluted, andmixed with a foaming agent (e.g., a component that stabilizes foams)which is gelatinized before application. In some embodiments, glycerincan constitute at least some and/or the majority of the packagingmaterial in terms of vol. % (e.g., 60% or above).

In some embodiments, a gel-forming polymer can be added to the packagingmaterial. In some embodiments, the polymer can be harmless to the livingbody. In some embodiments, a polysaccharide such as alginate,carrageenan, glycolarginate, or various pectins (homogalacturonan etc.)can be employed. In some embodiments, the molecular amount of thegel-forming polymer can be adjusted so as to allow the dried gelled foamto suitably decompose in water. For example, in the case of arginate, awater-insoluble polymer with a high molecular weight of approximately150,000 Daltons to 500,000 Daltons and a water-soluble polymer with alow molecular weight of approximately 20,000 Daltons to 30,000 Daltonscan be combined in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the molecular weight range of the gel-formingpolymer can depend on the application of the packaging material. When analginate with a higher molecular weight is used, such as a molecularweight of 300,000 Daltons, the resulting foam form of the packagingmaterial can be readily rewettable or rehydrateable after drying (e.g.,for wet foam based packaging materials). For applications in which it isdesired that the dried gelled foam form of the packaging materialdisintegrate and/or dissolve in water or aqueous media, such as incertain food and pharmaceutical applications, a lower molecular weights,such as about 20,000 Daltons to about 150,000 Daltons, can be desirable.For applications in which it desirable for the dried gelled foam not todisintegrate in water or other aqueous media, such as in wound dressingapplications, higher molecular weights, such as about 150,000 Daltons to500,000 Daltons, can be employed.

In some embodiments, the packaging material can include a gelatinizingagent. In some embodiments, the gelatinizing agent can help form a gelby reacting with the gel-forming polymer. For example, when calciumcarbonate is used as a gelatinizing agent, a gelled foam can be formedbetween pH 4 and pH 8. In some embodiments, in order to form gelled foampackaging materials that partially dissolve in water, the amount ofgelatinizing agent should be adjusted so as to make the 10% to 60% ofthe gelled portion of the gel-forming polymer saturated with ions. Insome embodiments, calcium pyrophosphate etc. can also be used.

In some embodiments, a foaming agent can be employed. In someembodiments, a foaming agent is used so as to retain contained air andmaintain the foam. In some embodiments, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, or propyleneglycol alginate can be employed. In someembodiments, when hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is employed, theconcentration can fall between 0.5 wt % and 6 wt %. In some embodiments,in order to activate ozone and prolong the lifespan, particularly tocontrol the metabolism of fruit and vegetables, CO₂ gas and argon gas(described later), which are separately prepared, are sprayed and foamedby using a shear flow.

In some embodiments, a pH adjuster can be added to the packagingmaterial. In some embodiments, the pH adjuster can be one or more oflactic acid lactone, gluconolactone, and/or glucuronolactone. From theperspective of preventing the propagation of fungus, it is used in aconcentration that keeps the pH between 4 and 6 (acid).

In some embodiments, a water-soluble plasticizer can be used. In someembodiments, this can include one or more of sorbitol and/orpolyethyleneglycol. In some embodiments, the packaging material can besoft and elastic so that it can follow deformities in foodstuffs. Inorder to achieve this, plasticizer concentration can be high and theratio of plasticizer to gel-forming polymer can be from 8:1 to 4:1, forexample.

In some embodiments, water can be employed in the packaging material orundried form thereof. In some embodiments, the water used is clean,drinking quality water (so as to avoid contaminating foodstuffs whereappropriate). The water can be added in an appropriate amount. In someembodiments, the viscosity is adjusted so that it can be easily sprayed.In some embodiments, ethanol can be used to adjust the viscosity ratherthan, or in addition to, water.

In some embodiments, a surfactant can be appropriately added to maintainthe foam. In some embodiments, the surfactant can include at least oneof Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, POLYSORBATE 80, Alkyl Sulfates and its salt,Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, and Polyoxyethylene SorbitanMonolaurate.

In some embodiments, an additional gas can be employed to assist in theapplication an/or drying of packaging materials that is sprayed on orwetted. In some embodiments, a mixture of CO₂ and argon is used so asnot to dilute the gas held in the liquid in the form ofmicro/nano-bubbles at the time of release. In some embodiments, themixture can be 90% CO₂ and 10% argon.

In some embodiments, the packaging material can be sprayed on otherpackaging containers (bags or plastic wrap) in advance before wrappingfoodstuffs.

Method of Packaging

In some embodiments, a method of packaging a product is provided. FIG. 2illustrates a flow chart outlining a method of packaging a product. Insome embodiments, a product (or item, such as a piece of food) to bepackaged is provided (block 400). In some embodiments, a preservativefilm (or, more generically, a packaging material) is provided (block410). In some embodiments, the packaging material includes apreservative gas. In some embodiments, the product to be packaged is atleast partially covered in the packaging material (block 420). In someembodiments, a desired amount of packaging material is removed from theproduct (block 430). In some embodiments, the product is ready for use(block 440).

One skilled in the art will appreciate that, for this and otherprocesses and methods disclosed herein, the functions performed in theprocesses and methods may be implemented in differing order.Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are only provided asexamples, and some of the steps and operations may be optional, combinedinto fewer steps and operations, or expanded into additional steps andoperations without detracting from the essence of the disclosedembodiments.

In some embodiments, the method of packaging includes providing any ofthe packaging materials provided herein. In some embodiments, thepackaging material that is applied includes a film-forming polymer. Insome embodiments, the film-forming polymer is provided as a liquid, andforms a film once it has dried. In some embodiments, a liquid thatincludes monomers is provided, and the monomers assemble into a liquid,film-forming, polymer upon drying and/or curing.

In some embodiments, at least part of the food product is covered withthe food preservative packaging material. In some embodiments, theentire food product is covered with the food preservative packagingmaterial. In some embodiments, at least part of a surface of a foodproduct is covered with a liquid including a film-forming polymer, andafter the surface has been covered, the polymer forms a film, thusresulting in at least part of a surface of a food product that iscovered in a food-preservative film. In some embodiments, the polymerforms a film upon drying. In some embodiments, the film is dried and/orcured completely. In some embodiments, the film only needs to partiallydry in order to form an effective barrier.

In some embodiments, the packaged food product is ready for at least oneof storage, shipment, delivery, or consumption by a consumer once thepackaging material is applied to the product.

In some embodiments, the packaging material is a wrap or wrappingmaterial, and thus, can be wrapped around at least a portion of thematerial to be sealed and/or preserved. In some embodiments, the wrapsimply covers the top of another container (which need not be made ofthe presently disclosed packaging material).

In some embodiments, the packaging material is rigid and/or at least apart of a container. In some embodiments, the method can involve placingthe item to be preserved into proximity to a surface of the packagingmaterial. For example, in some embodiments, the item can be placed intoa container, whose walls are made of the packaging material. In someembodiments, the item can be placed on top of a surface of a packagingmaterial. In some embodiments, the item is sealed within a container,such that at least some of the packaging material is exposed to theitem. In some embodiments, the item contacts the packaging material.

In some embodiments, the item to be stored can be a foodstuff item. Forthe sake of convenience, the present application uses the term “food” or“foodstuff” in its description and examples. However, the presentmethods and compositions are not limited to foodstuff and can be appliedto any item and for a variety of purposes.

In some embodiments, the food product to be packaged is ripe, orotherwise ready-to-eat. In some embodiments, the food product to bepackaged is not yet ripe, or will require further aging or treatment inorder to be in a more desirable form for eating. In some embodiments,the gas or substance within the film will retard the ripening process.In some embodiments, the gas or substance within the material canaccelerate the ripening process.

As noted above, in some embodiments, the food preservative film isdried. In some embodiments, the food preservative film is dried, andthen applied to a surface of a food product. In some embodiments, thefilm is applied to a surface of a food product and then dried. In someembodiments, the film is at least partially dried, applied to a surfaceof a food product, and then further dried.

In some embodiments, the packaging material, once applied to the item,is heated to facilitate drying. In some embodiments, electromagneticradiation is applied to the packaging material and/or item to facilitatedrying. In some embodiments, the packaging material and/or item isplaced in a vacuum chamber to facilitate drying. In some embodiments,the packaging material and/or item is contacted with a gas to facilitatedrying.

In some embodiments, the surface of the food product (or item) iscovered with the packaging material by spraying. In some embodiments,the packaging material is sprayed onto at least part of a surface of thefood product. In some embodiments, a liquid form or precursor to thepackaging material is sprayed onto at least part of a surface of thefood product. In some embodiments, this is dried or otherwise hardenedonce it has been applied to the surface of the food product. In someembodiments, the food product (or other item) is contacted with thepackaging material, by dipping the item into, or spreading the surfaceof the item with a liquid precursor of the packaging material. In someembodiments, a surface of the item is contacted with a pliable packagingmaterial, such as a film. In some embodiments, the pliable film is laterhardened, although it need not be hardened completely or hardened atall.

In some embodiments, the food product is stored in a preservedcondition. In some embodiments, the food product is stored in apreserved condition for a time longer than would be possible if the foodproduct had been sealed in a food preservative packaging material thatlacked the food-preservation gas. In some embodiments, the presence ofthe food-preservative gas increases the amount of time that the food isstored in a preserved condition by about 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour,5 hours, 12 hours, 18 hours, 1 day, 2 days, 5 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 5weeks, 10 weeks, 20 weeks, 30 weeks, 50 weeks, or 1 year, including anyrange above any one of the preceding values or any range between any twoof the listed value. In some embodiments, when the food is stored in apreserved condition, at least one of the following parameters remainssubstantially unchanged: the color of the food, the shape of the food,the texture of the food, the sugar content of the food, the watercontent of the food, the percentage of the food that has decomposed, abacterial count, reduced oxidation, and/or avoiding out flow ofnutrition (e.g., preserving nutrition).

In some embodiments, the packaging material itself can be made in any ofa variety of ways, for example, mixing of the micro/nano-bubbles of gasinto liquid can be performed. In some embodiments, the finer the foamis, the more stable the micro/nano-bubbles of gas becomes in the liquidfor a long period of time. In some embodiments, once a gaseous bodybecomes micro/nanobubbles, it can be kept as a fine foam and will allowfor an increased amount of gas to be dissolved. Accordingly, in someembodiments, the gaseous body can be retained in liquid, in either foamor dissolved state, for a long period in high concentration.

Since micro/nano air bubbles stably exist in liquid, independent of oneanother, each type of gas is separately formed into micro/nano-bubblesand is held in glycerin in some embodiments. By doing so, multiple gasescan be retained without causing any reaction among them ordeterioration. Through the nano-bubbling process, bubbles can bemaintained in water for more than three months.

The higher the viscosity of the liquid is, the higher the retentioneffect of the micro/nano-bubbles becomes. In embodiments involvingglycerin, all other things being equal, the micro/nano-bubbles of gascan be stably retained for a much longer period than in water.

Preserved Items, Such as Foodstuffs

As noted above, in some embodiments, the preserved item can be a pieceof food or a “foodstuff”. However, this term (unless specified otherwiseor used in the claims) is simply an exemplary item that can be stored inor with any of the packaging materials provided herein. In someembodiments, the item can be an electronic device, any object that isstored under a non-atmospheric gas composition, any object for which onedesires to maintain a specific atmospheric environment, variouschemicals, solvents, etc. In some embodiments, the item can be amechanical or metallic component and the packaging material can be usedfor storing them with reduced rusting. In some embodiments, thepackaging material can be used for storing a medical device or medicinefor antimicrobial preservation. In some embodiments, the items to bestored are clothes, books, and/or pictures and the packaging materialprovides, for example an anti-mold capability. In some embodiments, theitem results in moisture as, or just before, it begins to decay. In someembodiments, the item does not result in moisture as, or just before, itbegins to decay. In some embodiments, the item is susceptible to decayand/or rot. In some embodiments, the item is not susceptible to decayand/or rot.

In some embodiments, a preserved food product is provided. In someembodiments, the preserved food product includes a preserved foodproduct, and an at least partially dried preservative coating.

In some embodiments, a preserved food product is provided. In someembodiments, the preserved food product includes at least one foodproduct. In some embodiments, the preserved food product includes about1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 300, 500, or 1000 pieces of food ormore. In some embodiments, all of the food products included in thepreserved food product are of the same type of food. In someembodiments, the food products included in the preserved food productare different types of food, for example blueberries, strawberries,mangos, bananas, and raspberries. In some embodiments, the preservedfood product includes a partially dried preservative film coatingcovering a least part of a surface of the food product or product. Insome embodiments, a surface of each food product in the preserved foodproduct is contacted by the film coating. In some embodiments, thesurfaces of some food products in the preserved food product arecontacted by the film coating, while the surfaces of other food productswithin the preserved food product are not contacted by the film coating.In some embodiments, the packaging material includes an edible material.In some embodiments, the entire packaging material (for example, in aspray applied film form) is edible. In some embodiments, the packagingmaterial becomes edible after additional treatment, for examplecontacting the coating with water. In some embodiments, a foodpreservation gas is stored within the edible material in the filmcoating. In some embodiments, the edible packaging material allows forsustained release of the food-preservation gas.

In some embodiments, the packaging material increases its release of thefood-preservation gas when exposed to moisture, which can be from theitem being stored or from another source. In some embodiments, thepackaging material is contacted by water, which causes part of thepackaging material to dissolve, thus releasing the food-preservationgas. In some embodiments, the water is emitted from surface of the foodproduct.

In some embodiments, such as when the packaging material includes anedible material, the packaging material increases its release of thefood-preservation gas when exposed to moisture. In some embodiments, thewater is emitted from surface of the food product or item. In someembodiments, the water is applied to the packaging material. In someembodiments, the amount of moisture that contacts the packaging materialincreases over the period of time that the food product is stored. Insome embodiments, the amount of moisture that contacts the packagingmaterial decreases over the period of time that the food product isstored.

In some embodiments, the packaging material blocks at least one air holeof the food product. In some embodiments, at least one air hole iscompletely blocked. In some embodiments, some air holes of the foodproduct are blocked, while other air holes are not blocked. In someembodiments, the packaging material blocks at least about 1%, 5, 10, 30,50, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100%of the air holes of the food product, including any ranges above any oneof the values or any range between any two of the stated values.

In some embodiments, the packaging material does not block the air holeswhen it is first applied or put in contact with the food product, butblocks the air holes once it has dried, cured, or set. In someembodiments, the film blocks the air holes when it is first applied tothe food product, and blocks the air holes when it has dried, cured, orset. In some embodiments, the air hole exists naturally or spontaneouslyin the food product, for example a pore in the peel of a fruit. In someembodiments, the air hole is a manufactured feature of the food product(or other item).

Spray Device

In some embodiments, a spray device is provided. In some embodiments,the spray device includes an outlet head. In some embodiments, the spraydevice includes a reservoir. In some embodiments, the spray deviceincludes a gas inlet in fluid communication with the reservoir. In someembodiments, any spray device can be used to apply a sprayable foam ofthe packaging material. In some embodiments, the packaging material isnot applied by spraying (e.g., as noted above).

In some embodiments, the spray device includes an outlet head. In someembodiments, the outlet head is configured to spray a foam sprayablematerial. In some embodiments, the reservoir is configured to hold afoam sprayable material. In some embodiments, the reservoir is connectedwith the outlet head such that fluids and gasses can move between thereservoir and the outlet head. In some embodiments, the reservoir holdsa mixture of glycerin and a liquid, film-forming polymer. In someembodiments, a gas inlet is provided on the device. In some embodiments,the gas inlet is connected with the outlet head such that fluids andgasses can move between the reservoir and the gas inlet.

In some embodiments, the spray device includes a static mixer. In someembodiments the static mixer is configured to generate nano bubbles. Insome embodiments, the packaging material can be in the form of a sprayliquid and/or formed by mixing air in the process of spraying. In someembodiments, the material can be applied by dip coating, spraying,inkjet, painting by brush, or other type of application. In someembodiments, after application, ultrasonic energy can be applied to thematerial to be stored and/or the surface coating. In some embodiments,bubbles contained in the coating material can thereby be formed. Thus,in some embodiments, the bubbles can be formed after the application ofthe coating. In some embodiments, the packaging material can includeNaHCO₃ (sodium hydrogen carbonate, which can be decomposed by thermalenergy and become CO₂ and H₂O). In some embodiments, this packagingmaterial can be applied in one of the manners provided herein (e.g., dipcoating, spraying, inkjet, painting by brush, or any other kind ofapplication). In some embodiments heat or infrared energy is applied tothe material to be stored and/or its surface. In some embodiments, thesodium hydrogen carbonate decomposes, generates CO₂ bubbles, and therebyproduces the formed coating. In some embodiments, any other formulationand/or method that induces bubbles in a coating can be employed.

Additional Alternative Embodiments

While food preservation methods employing gas are present inmanufacturing and distribution stages, this is not the case forindividual households because the task of sealing packages and replacing(or sealing) gas is not as simple. For example, filling a container withfood-preservation gas needs an appropriate gas, and in the first place,it is difficult to judge whether the container is filled with gas to therequired concentration and amount. On top of that, there would be noeffect unless the sealing was perfect. Thus, in some embodiments, thereis a demand for a simple food preservation method employingfood-preservation gas, which is feasible at a household level.

In some embodiments, in order to preserve fruit, vegetables, and otheritems, a foam gel packaging material including glycerin containingmicro/nano-bubbles of food-preservation gas, including CO₂ and argon,and a liquid containing polymer that turns into a gel can be prepared,foamed with a high-pressure gas spray containing CO₂ and argon, andsprayed on foodstuffs. As the liquid turns into a gel and dries to forma film, a membrane-retaining atmosphere in which CO₂ and argon arecontained is formed to protect the items by tight sealing whileinhibiting the spread of microorganisms.

In some embodiments, a mixed liquid in which micro/nano-bubbles offood-preservation gas, including CO₂ and argon, are stably held inglycerin and to which a gelatinizing agent, polysaccharide that turnsinto a gel, etc. is added is sealed in containers together with aspraying gas (CO₂ and argon are again used here) under high pressure,which can be supplied in a form that is useful for individualhouseholds. For example, at the household level, it can be sprayed onthe surface of fruit and vegetables before storage and can be used forsterilization and as packaging for storage. In some embodiments, atleast part of a film is formed by gelatinization and drying, and thisdried film can then partially dissolve from water on the surface of theitem, which slowly releases CO₂ and argon, thus sterilizing themicroorganism-friendly water-rich surface continuously and selectively.In some embodiments, this has an effect of controlling the metabolism byreacting with moisture generated from metabolism, which releases CO₂,thus reacting to and/or detecting metabolic activity.

In some embodiments, kits are provided. In some embodiments, the kitsinclude at least one of: aqueous dried gelled foam that containsmicro/nano-bubbles of food-preservation gas (CO₂, argon etc.); sprayinggas (CO₂ and argon); and a spraying device in which the above items aresealed.

In some embodiments, the dried gelled foam packaging material iswater-soluble, biodegradable, and/or edible and/or has a lowenvironmental load. In some embodiments, it is harmless to the humanbody, and it does not cause problems even if it is ingested due toincomplete peeling or removal.

In some embodiments, the foam packaging material is visible, it ispossible to see whether the fruit and vegetables are completely sprayed.Even if there is a partial breakage, it can be remedied by additionalspraying.

In some embodiments, the packaging material can be applied locally onsome parts of a surface (for example, cut surfaces of fruit andvegetables, which tend to decay).

In some embodiments, the packaging medium is made of water-soluble,biodegradable, edible material, its environment load is low, and it isharmless to the human body.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Applying a Coating to a Food Product

An apple is selected as a food product to be coated. A foam sprayablematerial is provided. The foam sprayable material includes glycerin, thepolysaccharide arginate, CO₂, argon, water, and a UV blocker ironnanoparticle. The Argon and CO₂ are at a 1:1 volume ratio at standardtemperature and pressure. The foam sprayable material is stored at 200kPa. A layer of the material is sprayed onto the outer surface of theapple to a substantially uniform thickness of about 500 micrometers. Thefoam sprayable material is allowed to dry for 4 hours, thus producing apackaged apple with a film coating. The film coating on the packagedapple includes voids with an average diameter of 5 micrometers. Thecoating is a film that is 96% transparent to visible light. The coatingblocks the transmission of 82% of ultraviolet light. The apple isfurther coated in a 0.5-micrometer thick gas barrier layer of cellulosefiber. The coating on the apple will allow for the longer preservationof the apple.

Example 2 Preservation of a Food Product

An piece of meat is coated in a 500 micrometer-thick layer of filmcoating, which includes a gelled foam. The gelled foam includesglycerine and arginate. The gelled foam includes voids, which containCO₂ and argon gas. Six days after the meat is coated, the meat releasesa sufficient amount of moisture to dissolve 4% of the gelled foam, thusreleasing CO₂ and argon gas from about 4% of the voids in the gelledfoam. The CO₂ and argon pass through the foam at a rate of 1 micron per2 hours, eventually reaching the surface of the meat. The CO₂ is toxicto 40% of the fungi on the surface of the meat, and thus inhibitsfungi-mediated decomposition of the meat. The Argon blocks at least someof the bacteria on the surface of the meat. The treated food productstays edible for a longer time than a corresponding piece of meat thatwas not treated with the gelled foam.

Example 3 Preparation of a Food Product

A solubilized gel foam layer including polysaccharide arginate, which iswater soluble and biodegradable is used to coat a collection ofraspberries. 12 days later, the raspberries are purchased by a customer.The fruit is contacted with warm water at a pH of 7, which dissolves 99%of the gelled foam layer from fruit. The residual 1% of the gelled foamlayer is non-toxic and edible. The fruit is ready for human consumption.Five months after the water that contains dissolved arginate isprocessed as waste water, the arginate is fully degraded.

The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particularembodiments described in this application, which are intended asillustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations canbe made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparentto those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods andapparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to thoseenumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from theforegoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intendedto fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosureis to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along withthe full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It isto be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particularmethods, reagents, compounds, compositions or biological systems, whichcan, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminologyused herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodimentsonly, and is not intended to be limiting.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, termsused herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of theappended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term“including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” theterm “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term“includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,”etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if aspecific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such anintent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence ofsuch recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid tounderstanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of theintroductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claimrecitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed toimply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinitearticles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing suchintroduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one”or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articlesused to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specificnumber of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should beinterpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the barerecitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, means at leasttwo recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in thoseinstances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C,etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the senseone having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “asystem having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not belimited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and Btogether, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and Ctogether, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “atleast one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a constructionis intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understandthe convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” wouldinclude but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, Calone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A,B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those withinthe art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting twoor more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, ordrawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities ofincluding one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. Forexample, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include thepossibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are describedin terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individualmember or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and allpurposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, allranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subrangesand combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easilyrecognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range beingbroken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths,tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein canbe readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third,etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all languagesuch as “up to,” “at least,” and the like include the number recited andrefer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges asdiscussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in theart, a range includes each individual member. Thus, for example, a grouphaving 1-3 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, or 3 cells. Similarly, agroup having 1-5 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cells,and so forth.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that various embodiments ofthe present disclosure have been described herein for purposes ofillustration, and that various modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.Accordingly, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intendedto be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by thefollowing claims.

1. A packaging material, the packaging material comprising: a gelledfoam comprising voids; and a food-preservation gas contained within thevoids, wherein the gelled foam allows for a sustained release of thefood-preservation gas.
 2. (canceled)
 3. (canceled)
 4. The packagingmaterial of claim 1, wherein the gelled foam comprises glycerin, agel-forming polymer, and a gelatinizing agent.
 5. The packaging materialof claim 1, wherein the gelled foam comprises a biodegradable material.6. The packaging material of claim 5, wherein the biodegradable materialcomprises at least one polysaccharide.
 7. The packaging material ofclaim 1, wherein the material is in a form of a film.
 8. The packagingmaterial of claim 7, wherein the film is transparent.
 9. The packagingmaterial of claim 7, wherein the film comprises a spray applied coating.10-59. (canceled)
 60. The packaging material of claim 1, wherein thepackaging material has a thickness of equal to or greater than about 2microns.
 61. A foam sprayable material, the material comprising: a watersoluble and high viscosity material comprising at least one void thatcomprises at least one food-preservation gas; and a liquid, filmforming, polymer, wherein the liquid forms a film when dried.
 62. Thefoam sprayable material of claim 61, wherein the liquid, film forming,polymer is at least one of a polysaccharide, an arginate, a carrageenan,a glycolarginate, a pectin, Gellan gum, Agar, polyethylene glycol,polyethylene oxide, propylene glycol, a polysaccharide, its salt, andtheir solution dissolved in water: hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate,Collagen, Collagen peptide, hemicellulose, gum arabic, tragacanth gum,carrageenan, xanthan gum, guar gum, tara gum, gloiopeltis glue, agar,furcellaran, tamarind seed polysaccharide, kalaya gum, hibiscus, pectin,sodium alginate, pullulan, jellan gum, locust bean gum, variousstarches, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), methylcellulose (MC),ethylcellulose (EC), hydroxymethylcellulose (HMC), hydroxyethylcellulose(HEC), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), hydroxyethylmethylcellulose (HEMC),hydroxyethylethylcellulose (HEEC), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC),hydroxypropylethylcellulose (HPEC), hydroxyethylhydroxypropylcellulose(HEHPC), sulfoethylcellulose, dihydroxypropylcellulose (DHPC), propyleneglycol alginate, a processed starch, or a soluble starch.
 63. The foamsprayable material of claim 61, wherein the food-preservation gas is atleast one of CO₂, argon, nitrogen, ClO₂, ozone, an ethylene-inhibitinggas, O₂, a rare gas: He, Ne, Kr, Xe, or Rn.
 64. The foam sprayablematerial of claim 61, wherein the food-preservation gas comprises CO₂and argon.
 65. The foam sprayable material of claim 61, wherein theethylene-inhibiting gas comprises 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP).
 66. Thefoam sprayable material of claim 61, wherein the foam sprayable materialsterilizes a surface of a food product by lowing a pH of the surface.67. The foam sprayable material of claim 61, wherein the foam sprayablematerial is edible.
 68. The foam sprayable material of claim 61, furthercomprising a foaming agent.
 69. The foam sprayable material of claim 61,further comprising a pH adjuster.
 70. The foam sprayable material ofclaim 61, wherein the foam sprayable material, once dried, iswater-soluble.
 71. The foam sprayable material of claim 61, wherein thefood-preservation gas is at least one of CO₂, argon, nitrogen, ClO₂,ozone, an ethylene-inhibiting gas, O₂, a rare gas: He, Ne, Kr, Xe, orRn.
 72. A method of packaging a food product, the method comprising:providing a food preservative film, the film comprising: glycerincomprising voids comprising a food-preservation gas; and a liquid, filmforming, polymer, wherein the liquid forms a film when dried; providinga food product; and covering at least part of the food product with thefood preservative film, thereby packaging the food product.
 73. Themethod of claim 72, wherein covering comprises spraying the foodpreservative film on the food product.
 74. The method of claim 72,further comprising storing the food product in a preserved condition fora period of time longer than would have been possible if the foodproduct had been sealed in a food preservative film that lacked thefood-preservation gas.
 75. A preserved food product comprising: at leastone food product; and an at least partially dried preservative filmcoating at least a part of the at least one food product, wherein thefilm comprises an edible material within which a food-preservation gasis stored, and wherein the edible material allows for the sustainedrelease of the food-preservation gas.
 76. The preserved food product ofclaim 75, wherein the edible material comprises a gelled foam comprisingvoids, wherein the food-preservation gas is contained within the voids.77. The preserved food product of claim 75, wherein the film increasesits release of the food-preservation gas when exposed to moisture. 78.The preserved food-product of claim 75, wherein the preservative filmblocks at least 95% of air holes of the food product.
 79. A spray devicecomprising: an outlet head configured to spray a foam sprayablematerial; a reservoir, configured to hold a foam sprayable material andin fluid communication with the outlet head, wherein the reservoir holdsa mixture of glycerin and a liquid, film forming, polymer, wherein theliquid forms a film when dried; and a first gas inlet in fluidcommunication with the reservoir.